Rooney officially paid $2.7M with D.C. United, but he’s making more

In an updated list of 2018 salaries released Tuesday, the Major League Soccer Players Association reported that English superstar Wayne Rooney has an annualized base salary of $2,769,230 with D.C. United. The previous United record was Argentine midfielder Marcelo Gallardo’s $1.9 million in 2008. Few players in the club’s 23-season history have eclipsed $1 million. Rooney’s base is eighth in the league, well behind such players as Chicago’s Bastian Schweinsteiger ($6.1 million), Toronto’s Michael Bradley ($6 million) and Sebastian Giovinco ($5.6 million) and New York City FC’s David Villa ($5.6 million). Beyond base salaries, Giovinco has the largest overall compensation at $7.1 million. (Rooney’s is $2,776,730.) However, according to people with knowledge of the agreement, Rooney is making far more than the listed numbers. Those sources said he is collecting about $5.1 million, the balance coming largely from guarantees tied to his image rights and other unspecified compensation. Rooney, 32, earned about $10 million in salary for Everton in the Premier League last season. He signed a 3½year contract with D.C. — the first 2½ are guaranteed and the third is believed to be a club-held option. The base salary is expected to grow slightly next year. Rooney is an MLS designated player, which means the centralized league covers $504,375 and United is responsible for the balance. and 27 before returning to the U.S. on Oct. 31. After the event, the Bayamon, Puerto Rico, native will remain at Laurel for the fall and winter meets. A delegate from China recently visited Laurel and asked Maryland Jockey Club president and general manager Sal Sinatra if Laurel would be interested in recommending a rider to represent Laurel at the Festival. Serpa has won 721 races and more than $21 million purses since 2009 and was an Eclipse Award finalist for leading apprentice jockey in 2010.